Emery, Bears grade out strong early on

Thursday

New Bears GM Phil Emery has kept the team busy in the first two weeks of free agency, making 11 moves and filling some holes. There is more work to be done, but so far, Emery gets an 'A.'

Since the March 13 free-agent signing period began, the Chicago Bears have been busy. As busy as any other team in the NFL.

In two weeks, the Bears have made 11 moves, brought in five new players and kept their most important free-agent Bears, including defensive end Israel Idonije and cornerback Tim Jennings. The biggest of the moves, trading for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, could transform the entire team into a contender.

A couple of the more welcomed, but also questioned, moves made were bringing in established veterans to back up Cutler and running back Matt Forte. Jason Campbell came over from the Raiders, helping the Bears rest easy after Caleb Hanie cost them the playoffs last year. And Michael Bush left the same Oakland team to come to Chicago, and the Bears can again relax their stance a bit when it comes to the questions surrounding Forte’s future contract.

There is still more work to be done, no one will argue that. Another wide receiver and defensive end; more help at the O-line; another safety and cornerback to throw into the mix. No one is saying this team is complete – yet.

But new GM Phil Emery gets an 'A' from me when it comes to his first two weeks on the job.

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